Three Keys to Michigan State’s First Big Ten Victory

Edgar Allan Poe once wrote, “Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see.”

That quote needs to be echoing through the halls of East Lansing this week.

Not only are we in the heart of Halloween season, when Poe’s words naturally find their way into conversations, but Michigan State’s season has started to resemble one of the scariest movies you’ll ever watch.

Over the last three games, the Spartans have been outscored 99-26. Remove the matchup against No. 3 Notre Dame, and the numbers are still frightening: Michigan State has been outscored 62-16 over its last two games.

The offense looks tired and out of sync. No rhythm, no rhyme, no reason. It’s a bleak reminder that Pat Fitzgerald’s rebuild still has a long way to go.

Defensively, things have looked better by comparison, but the bar isn’t exactly high. The Spartans continue to make too many self-inflicted mistakes on critical plays, allowing opposing offenses to extend drives. Combine those errors with the offense’s inability to sustain possessions, and the defense often looks exhausted by the second half.

Beyond the mental mistakes, Michigan State has struggled in several key areas necessary to winning football games, including generating pressure, forcing turnovers and getting off the field on third down.

Now comes homecoming.

The Spartans will welcome another 2-3 team still searching for its first Big Ten victory: the Illinois Fighting Illini. Both teams desperately need a win to keep their seasons from sinking faster than Jack in Titanic.

Come on, Rose. Move over. There’s room on that floating door.

Fortunately for Michigan State, Illinois has its own defensive problems.

The Fighting Illini rank 15th in the Big Ten, allowing 381.8 yards per game, while Michigan State sits 11th. Illinois also ranks 16th in defensive success rate allowed (44.8%), 15th in tackles for loss per game (3.80) and 16th in defensive points per play allowed (0.213).

The Spartans must take advantage of those weaknesses, especially at home, with temperatures projected to reach the 70s.

However, Michigan State will also have to contend with a familiar face. Illinois starting quarterback Katin Houser once wore the green and white and will look to make his former team pay. Through the first five games, Houser has thrown 11 touchdowns against just three interceptions.

If the Spartans want to secure their first conference victory, they’ll need to execute in three critical areas.

Houser has demonstrated the ability to make opposing defenses pay, and Michigan State cannot afford to give him a comfortable pocket.

The Spartans need to be aggressive up front, disrupt his timing and force him into uncomfortable situations. Generating pressure can lead to hurried throws, potential turnovers and stalled drives.

At the same time, the defense must remain disciplined in its rush lanes. Getting after the quarterback means little if Houser can escape the pocket and turn a broken play into a big gain.

Michigan State needs to make him uncomfortable without allowing him to become a second threat with his legs.

The Spartans’ offense desperately needs a spark, and that starts with trusting quarterback Alessio Milivojevic.

Michigan State cannot afford to spend another afternoon searching for an offensive identity. Against an Illinois defense that has struggled throughout the season, the Spartans have an opportunity to find some rhythm and generate meaningful production through the air.

That means giving Milivojevic the opportunity to make plays, attacking favorable matchups and allowing the passing game to open things up offensively.

The Spartans don't need to reinvent the wheel. They need to execute, build confidence and turn opportunities into points.

Michigan State has made life difficult enough for itself this season. Against Illinois, the Spartans cannot afford to keep handing their opponents extra opportunities.

Penalties, missed assignments and avoidable mistakes have a way of turning manageable situations into disastrous ones. Defensively, they extend drives. Offensively, they erase positive plays and put the team behind the chains.

Against a team that is also searching for answers, discipline could be the difference between a much-needed victory and another frustrating afternoon.

The Spartans don't have to play a perfect game, but they do need to stop making the game harder than it needs to be.

Michigan State's season has taken a frightening turn over the last few weeks, but homecoming presents an opportunity to change the story.

Illinois has its own weaknesses, and the Spartans will have the benefit of playing in front of their home crowd. If the defense can pressure Houser, the offense can find its footing behind Milivojevic, and the team can eliminate its costly mistakes, Michigan State has a path to its first Big Ten victory.

The opportunity is there. Now the Spartans have to take advantage of it.